Small footed bowl c. 2th century

This small-footed bowl was created in Michoacan and is decorated with a number of striking patterns. Notice the stylized bird motifs encircling the bowl. Birds, throughout history and across cultures, often symbolize the soul or spirit, acting as messengers between the earthly and spiritual realms. We see echoes of this in ancient Egyptian art, where birds guide souls through the afterlife, and in classical mythology, with birds carrying messages for the gods. The tri-footed base is no less evocative. Three legs are not just about stability; they resonate deeply with notions of balance and support found in diverse traditions. Think of the Delphic tripod, a seat of prophecy, or the alchemical symbol of the triquetra, representing interconnectedness. These forms create a powerful force, engaging us on a subconscious level. We are reminded that symbols never truly die; they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in each age, carrying the weight of our collective past into the present.